Understandably sent off the odds-on favorite
after four previous consecutive victories the 7 year old
Bettor’s Delight gelding practically made a laugher out of the contest
when he toured the double oval in a time of 1:54.4, his best winning
time in over three years.
Although Haroun Hanover has been stellar this season
driver Marohn was asked why he put in a mile like he did today.
“In most of his previous starts I’ve been racing him out of
a hole—that is as long as they keep stepping right along-and today when I sent
him out of there it really got him on the muscle and he just kept
reeling, “ Marohn said in the paddock after his victory with the veteran
pacer. “I’m sure the heat and humidity had something to do with his ( final
race) time but just check… all the horses went fast miles today.”
Marohn had to hustle his pacer away from the five-hole
as Bruce Aldrich, Jr. and DVC Gifted Indeed took an early lead and
as the duo approached the first stanza Aldrich had no choice but to let
Marohn take command as the timer flashed :27.2..
From there Aldrich kept DVC Gifted Indeed tight on Maroun’s
back as the two passed the half in :56.3. However, up the backside ‘Haroun’
began to pace away and at the third stanza he was four lengths ahead of
the pack.
That margin only got bigger as they headed for pay dirt and
at the wire Haroun Hanover was an eased-up nine length winner over Big
Game and driver Jimmy Devaux. Memory Game was third for Kyle Di
Benedetto. DVC Gifted Indeed faded and finished fourth.
With his victory Haroun Hanover remains in second place in
races won on the North American leaderboard still trailing another Mighty M
pacer, Tracys Song, who now has 20 wins this season.
Trained by Danny Gill for owners Ed Hall of Lebanon, Ct and
James Hall of and South Windsor, Ct. Haroun Hanover paid $2.70 and $2.20. There
was no show betting on the race.
